Underwatertimes.com News Service - October 23, 2006 18:13 EST

Federal fishery managers have banned shark feeding for sight-seeing operations in federal waters, which are located beyond three miles from shore.

The measure, voted on last Thursday, would not apply to fishermen who harvest sharks or other marine life, according to a news release from the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

Chumming in conjunction with fishing activities or for traditional Hawai'i cultural or religious practices would still be allowed, the news release said.

The state had passed similar measures for state waters after people complained about shark viewing on the North Shore of O'ahu.

Operators then moved into federal waters.

The action taken by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council amends the Pelagic Fishery Management Plan for the Western Pacific Region.